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Cosmetic and
restorative
dentistry

Should I Get a Second Opinion from a TMJ Specialist?

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I mentioned to my dentist that I wish my teeth were whiter. He mentioned because I have two crowns, I’d need to get those re-done first to match. He also looked closer at all my teeth and said my bite is off which means I have TMJ and need to get all the teeth crowned to fix it. This seems a bit excessive to me. Plus, it really surprised me to hear my bite was off. I had braces in my middle school years and didn’t feel like anything had changed since then. I’m thinking I should get a second opinion. What do you think?

Carla

Dear Carla,

Woman in pain with TMJ

I’m a little concerned with what I’m hearing. Let’s start with the teeth whitening. You don’t crown teeth to whiten them. Yes, you have a couple of crowns and they will have to be re-done to match but that will be AFTER your teeth are whitened. Not before. Otherwise, how will he know what shade of white to make them?

Now, about this crowning every tooth. This is called a full-mouth reconstruction and is usually reserved for more severe TMJ Cases. You haven’t mentioned any symptoms of TMJ Disorder. Without that, you should have serious doubts about this recommendation.

TMJ Symptoms

  • Jaw Pain
  • Popping in Your Jaw
  • Clicking in Your Jaw
  • Migraines, especially in the morning
  • Teeth Grinding or clenching

See a TMJ Dentist

I agree you need a second opinion. There isn’t a recognized specialty in TMJ Disorder. As such, there aren’t really any TMJ “Specialists”. However, there are dentists who have invested a great deal of time in studying TMJ Disorder and the different treatment options. Treatment is determined by first finding the underlying cause.

You want a dentist who has studied TMJ and occlusion at one of the reputable post-doctoral schools, such as The Dawson Academy, the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, and The Kois Center.

Dentists who’ve studied at one of these schools are qualified to help diagnose your problem and come up with a good treatment. Most dentists prefer to start with the most conservative treatments first to see if that solves it before delving into something as invasive (and expensive) as a full-mouth reconstruction.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Solutions for a Tooth Gap

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I have a tooth gap which is really starting to bother me the older I get. I’m looking into solutions and wanted to opinion of a cosmetic dentist.

Ben

Dear Ben,

woman smiling with a tooth gap
There are several solutions for a gapped tooth

When you have a gapped tooth, there are three great solutions. Which you choose depends on what you’re going for with the rest of your smile.

Solution One: Invisalign

Invisalign Aligner
Invisalign Aligner

If you want to truly close the gap, you can use orthodontics. It’s no longer necessary for patients to wear unsightly and painful wire and metal braces. These days adults (and teens) prefer Invisalign. It uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth.

It has a secret benefit of allowing you to simultaneously whiten your teeth at the same time. Your dentist can provide you with the teeth whitening gel and the aligners will double as the trays.

Solution Two: Dental Bonding

before and after dental bonding

You can see from this case which Dr. Weiss did the gap is completely closed. He also reshaped her whole smile at the patients request. When done by a skilled cosmetic dentist dental bonding blends perfectly and looks completely natural.

You don’t have to have bonding done on the entire smile as this patient did. It can just close the gap. It can be matched to whatever color your teeth are. If you’re happy with the whiteness, just do the bonding. If you’d like them a little whiter, first whiten them, then have the bonding done after that is completed.

Solution Three: Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth
Porcelain Veneers

This is only a useful option if you’re unhappy with other aspects of your smile. Porcelain veneers can change everything about your smile.— the shape, the size, the color.

This is the go-to procedure for a complete smile makeover. It can give you the smile of your dreams. However, I would consider it an expensive over-treatment if all you want to do is close a tooth gap.

This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.

Tooth Whitening Has Always Been Popular

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The most popular Cosmetic Dentistry technique in the world is tooth whitening, but teeth bleaching certainly isn’t new, in fact, for thousands of years, people all over the planet resorted to some pretty unpleasant tactics when it came to their pearly whites.

The ancient Egyptians used ground pumice and wine vinegar to make a paste to whiten teeth while the ancient Romans preferred human urine. In the 16 th century, barbers got into the act adding tooth whitening to the mix. After a shave and a haircut, barbers would file down clients teeth before soaking with acid. This worked quite well for tooth whitening, but because this method of tooth whitening took the enamel as well, tooth decay was the price one had to pay for tooth bleaching.

These days, thanks to modern Cosmetic Dentistry, you do not have to do what your ancestors did to get that million-dollar smile. Over the counter tooth whitening products account for millions of dollars in sales every year, but because those products are made for the masses, you may not be getting the results that you should.

Talk to your Cosmetic Dentist in East Montgomery County about Venus® Teeth Whitening. Available from Dr. Michael Weiss this chair side tooth bleaching system could give you that movie star smile or natural smile that you always wanted.

Venus® Teeth Whitening is an in office treatment that is fast, effective and affordable. All it usually takes is just one in office treatment and subsequent at home bleaching sessions with your take-home tooth whitening kit to give you your new smile.

Your actual tooth whitening appointment starts with the application of a special hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. Almost immediately your teeth. Great care is taken so there is very little tooth sensitivity or discomfort.

Although your teeth are ready for a night out on the town, it does not stop there. Your Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Weiss and his caring team will supply you with a tooth whitening kit so that you can maintain your new smile in the comfort of your home. All you have to do is fill your custom whitening trays with a special whitening gel and wear them for a set amount of time to keep your new gorgeous smile white and bright.

Stop wasting your money on over the counter tooth whitening products and schedule an appointment for Venus® Teeth Whitening with Dr. Weiss today.